14 DCMR § 14-305
INSPECTION OF PREMISES AFTER BREACH OF WARRANTY OR VOIDED LEASE
Operative Text
305.1 Following a judicial determination that the owner has breached the implied warranty of habitability applying to the premises (under § 301 of this chapter), or following a judicial determination that a lease or rental agreement is void, the owner shall obtain a certificate from the Director that the habitation is in compliance with this subtitle prior to the next reletting of the habitation.
Under D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-305, when a court finds that a property owner has breached the implied warranty of habitability or that a lease or rental agreement is void, the owner must obtain an official compliance certificate from the Director before the unit can be rented again. This rule creates a mandatory inspection checkpoint between a judicial finding of a housing violation and any subsequent tenancy. The certificate confirms that the habitation meets the standards set out in the relevant subtitle of District of Columbia regulations.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-305 generally ensure that, following any court ruling finding a breach of the implied warranty of habitability or voiding a lease, they apply for and receive a Director-issued compliance certificate before advertising or entering into a new rental agreement for the affected unit. Compliant operators typically document the inspection process and retain the certificate as part of the property's records. Allowing a new tenancy to begin without that certificate would place the owner outside the requirements of this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-305 gives tenants a basis to verify that a unit has been officially cleared for habitation after a court has found a warranty-of-habitability breach or voided a prior lease. Prospective tenants may ask a landlord whether a compliance certificate from the Director has been issued before signing any new rental agreement for such a unit. Those who believe this requirement has not been followed can explore options such as contacting a local tenant-rights organization or raising the issue with the appropriate District of Columbia housing authority.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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